Humanitarian aid in the modern era is complex, with thousands of NGOs supplying various forms of aid worldwide. Relief efforts by NGOs have come under criticism for inefficiency, poor allocation of resources and have even been shown to have played a role in prolonging conflicts in some cases.

Though springing forth from noble intentions and a moral calling, these issues pose the question of whether, on balance, humanitarian aid by NGOs does more harm than good. This past Thursday the club debated this motion.

When quarterback Colin Kaepernick decided to protest the treatment of African-Americans and other minority groups in the US by kneeling for the National Anthem, he was met with condemnation. Such reactions force us to reconsider which political displays are deemed “acceptable” in sports and which are not. They also lead us to contemplate whether politics ought to have a presence in the field, in the stands, or in the locker room.